grammar · formal

It is imperative that + clause

Band 7+task2

Used to emphasise that something is absolutely necessary or essential; often followed by a clause with the base form of the verb (subjunctive).

Examples

“It is imperative that governments act now to curb emissions.”

“It is imperative that every student submit their essay by the deadline.”

“In light of the crisis, it is imperative that immediate measures be taken.”

Band 8 sentence

“Given the accelerating impacts of climate change, it is imperative that comprehensive adaptation strategies be implemented without delay.”

Collocations

  • It is imperative that + subject + base verb

Word family

imperative adjective / nounimperatively adverb

Common mistakes

It is imperative that every student submits the form.→It is imperative that every student submit the form.

It is imperative to that we act now.→It is imperative that we act now.

Say it for a higher band

5We must→6It is necessary that→7+It is imperative that + clause

Synonyms

It is essential that

Easily confused

imperative vs important

“It is imperative that action is taken immediately.”

Related words

On the other hand, + clauseThere is a strong case to be made for + V-ingIn my opinion, + clauseTo sum up, + clauseThese findings have important implications for + NPIt took + somebody + [time] + to + VOne advantage of + Noun/Gerund + is + ...This paper contends that + clause

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